Walk This Way

by Lexi Vale

A deliciously sweet grumpy sunshine romance set on a hike in the Scottish Highlands.

Two broken hearts. One long walk.

When Rowan Turner catches her boyfriend cheating, she does what any other sofa-loving, city girl would do. She drunkenly books a solo walk in the Scottish Highlands, determined to prove that she can do it alone.

Only hiking comes with more challenges than Rowan expects – from aching feet and spitting rain to Angus Mackenzie, the sexy, surly Scotsman with arms like a lumberjack who’s less than pleased to find an English lass on his trail.

Angus is walking for one reason only – to mourn his Da ahead of the anniversary of his death. He’s got no interest in company, especially not from a mouthy, incompetent Londoner whose rainbow outfits stick out like a sore thumb.

But on the narrow trail, avoiding each other isn’t so easy – especially when broken tents, sprained ankles and even their fellow hikers conspire to bring them together. And as the miles add up and sparks unexpectedly fly, will either risk the greater challenge: letting someone else in?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2026

Reviews

[edie-may ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ 𓂃𓏲˚. ᵎᵎ ‎ 4.00 stars .ᐟ ‎ ⋮ ‎ ❛ She’s wildflowers shooting life into spring, the hazy motes of a summer dawn. ❜


‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ — review journal ⸝⸝ 025 ⟡
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ started mar 13 ‎ ⋮ ‎ finished mar 16
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ book release : mar 18 ✓



‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗ ⋮ ‎꒰⛰️꒱ ‎ i. what to expect ‎ ⟢ ⸝⸝

‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ dislike to lovers
‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ found family
‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ grumpy x sunshine
‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ mental health rep
‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ only one bed (tent)
‎ ‎ ‎ ⤿ scottish highlands setting



‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗ ⋮ ‎꒰🎒꒱ ‎ ii. summary ‎ ⟢ ⸝⸝

‎ ‎ ‎ after finding her boyfriend with another woman, rowan drunkenly books herself a five day hike in the scottish highlands, where she wrestles with her aching feet, her racing thoughts, and her growing attraction to angus, her fellow hiker…who perhaps looks a little too good in a kilt.

‎ ‎ ‎ ᯓ thank you to lexi vale for sending me this e-arc. ‘walk this way’ is out now!



‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗ ⋮ ‎꒰ 🌿 ꒱ iii. thoughts ⟢ ⸝⸝

‎ ‎ ‎ i’m so glad i decided to request this. you’re telling me i managed to stumble across a book where the two main characters don’t force themselves into a destructive relationship for the sake of a quick plot? you’re telling me they look after themselves as individuals first and foremost, and are able to acknowledge their own mistakes? mature conversations, no unnecessary drama, and no cartoon villains with little to no purpose? throw in a cheeky greggs, and i’m sold. lexi vale, you are a woman after my own heart. it’s also worth noting that i let out an astronomical sigh of relief when i realised that the author is in fact british, and i didn’t have to read another load of bollocks written by a woman who doesn’t know what we sound like, and wouldn’t have the foggiest clue what the luxury of a cheeky greggs truly is.



‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗ ⋮ ‎꒰ ☀️ ꒱ iv. characters ⟢ ⸝⸝

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ — rowan .ᐟ ⸝⸝
‎ ‎ ‎ • ⋮ her arc was so interesting emotionally. i started by rooting for her completely, but later realised how flawed she was. what i loved was that she didn’t try to deny those flaws, and instead chose to work on them. i didn’t even hate her eyesore of a wardrobe—i started off with the occasional eye roll, but came to accept it as a part of her. it’s making me want a cap that says ‘zesty’ on it. i can’t tell if that’s a good thing.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ — angus .ᐟ ⸝⸝
‎ ‎ ‎ • ⋮ potentially unpopular opinion but i love a man in a kilt. in the most respectful way possible…it’s just such a slutty outfit. give me a skirt-clad scotsman over an adidas tracksuit wearing roadman any day of the week. and btw, a man actively choosing to seek help for his issues? in this day and age? i’m floored, and i want one.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ — others .ᐟ ⸝⸝
‎ ‎ ‎ • ⋮ unexpected surprise to have so many side characters, each with their own flaws and struggles. i adored priya, and i even found myself liking ewan, despite his temper. don’t get me started on lila…i’ll start kicking my feet and twirling my hair.



‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗ ⋮ ‎ . pre-read ‎ ⟢ ⸝⸝

‎ i got this e-arc off of instagram—i’m only a few chapters in and i’m already eating this up. ughh, i love me a scottish man. — ( prediction ; 3.50 ☆ )



જ⁀➴ ₊˚⊹ ᵎᵎ

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 Stars
This has such a cute cover so I thought it would be light and fluffy but there were some heavy themes (depression, parental death, suicidal ideation, grief). They were incorporated well and added weight to the story. It was just a little too heavy on the physical attraction early in the book so it felt a tad insta-lusty for my taste.

You will probably like this book if you like:
⛺ Romance novels set in Scotland
⛺ Dislike to love
⛺ Grumpy x Sunshine
⛺ Oops, there’s only one tent
⛺ Mental health rep (depression)
⛺ Exploration of grief
⛺ Found family

Rowan’s boyfriend just cheated on her (which is even worse because she just moved in with him so where is she supposed to live now), her job sucks, and she feels like a failure ever since her mental breakdown a while ago. So she decides to do a hike right before her sister’s wedding as a way to prove to herself that she can do something when she sets her mind to it. She runs into Angus, who is grumpy AF and grieving the death of his father.

Their connection takes place over the course of six days and there are a bunch of fun side characters we meet on the hike and at Angus’ farm. I thought the pervasiveness of depression was portrayed well and the negative self beliefs that Rowan and Angus have are deeply ingrained and shape many of their decisions. Rowan and Angus had an electric connection and their time together was fun.

And I know that in real life it is within the scope of what might happen for two people to see each other and be like “look at her hot ass” almost immediately. It is just not what I prefer to read. I was clutching my pearls at Angus’ thoughts about Rowan on day 2 of the hike, which I know is rich since I read crazy smut. But when I am reading contemporary romance, I prefer a slower burn and that is just hard to do within a six day time frame. The third act did handle it in an interesting way but for me, it made me slightly less invested in their connection early on.

And anger is a completely natural human emotion and there are a few characters who are deeply grieving and express anger as a side effect of that. I just have such a low tolerance for it for personal reasons so it was hard for me to connect to a character like Ewan even if his anger was justifiable.

I think that if any of the tropes seem interesting to you and your personal preferences differ from mine, you may really enjoy this book. And who doesn’t love a book set in Scotland with a man who wears a kilt!

Thank you Lexi Vale for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: March 18, 2026

ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆

[meggthereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

This was a super cute read and exactly what I needed to get through the past few crappy days I had been having. I love a good grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, and especially the good ol’ one tent. Like it’s a classic and it always be top tier.

I love when the writer has a character, or in this case both of the characters, show how it is to live with mental illness and the struggles that come with it. It makes me relate to the character so much and show that even in my romance novels, these amazing characters are just like me and so many others out there. The author did that in such an amazing way to show that you may not always have your shit together, but you will always have people in your life that will show up for you when you need them most.

I especially loved all of the side characters. They really were the icing on the cake and made the story so much more lovable. Rowan and Angus were the perfect rom com couple. Especially when Rowan was drooling over Angus, because honestly? Same girl. That accent? I would be a goner. Angus was the epitome of grumpy to her sunshine which made him so much more likable.

This was the perfect debut novel and I can’t wait for more people to read this and giggle the way I did while reading it! This adorable story will be available on March 18th!

*Thank you so much to the author, Lexi Vale for the ARC!*

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cover is so stunning!

| IG | TikTok |

Thank you to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Addie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 57%

What the heck happened to romance?

- "Angus, I want you to fuck me."
Angus bit back a groan so deep I'm surprised I can't feel it in the ground. My centre flutters in response. His hand curves around the back of my neck, pulling me closer.
"Good girl."

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Lexi, for the advanced copy of this gorgeous love story.

If you want a cosy, easy read with funny, relatable characters, this book is for you. I loved getting to know Rowan and Angus and the whole host of supporting characters as I followed their journey through the West Highland Way. I absolutely plan on channeling Rowan's dopamine dressing habit on days where I need a boost.

I've laughed plenty and definitely teared up at the end! Also, can we talk about that STUNNING cover?

Reading this was an altogether lovely time!

I'm @startanotherchapter on Instagram, for more reviews and bookish content! 🩷

[Steffs.Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi you had me within a couple of pages.

Actually no, let's be honest, you had me from the cover, and sold me within a couple of pages! 🤭😍

✨️ It's just your perfect romance read✨️

Rowan and Angus are just perfect MC's. Rowan is so likeable and just innocently herself, that we grow to adore from the get go. Angus, I mean. What's not to love! And together... just brilliant. I love the empowing strong woman he brings out of Rowan and equally makes her squirm. And I love how Angus can feel at ease around Rowan, despite him trying to keep his walls up. Ewan. Let's not talk about him (though I loved the mild complexity behind his... 'moments' ... without giving anything away). Lila and Priya, emotional and precious. I just love them all.

Walk This Way is a real wholesome read throughout. I feel like it makes those who never dream about going hiking... to go hiking, and those who are tempted... to just go and embrace it (the good, the bad and the ugly because you will likely find light and hope)! While it's a read about friendship, family complexities and obviously a good old lil romance, it has hidden depth too wrapped up in a big fluescent bow of fun and warmth.

And I mean, Scotland. No brainer 👌
Lush! ⛰️🍻🏞🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I did have some niggles with this read though, (miscommunication is not my favourite trope) and I wasn't sold on the direction it ended with. However, I did, again, without giving spoilers, get my closure which was very much needed after falling in love with every main character. I also ADORED Rowan's path. Made my heart melt and wonderful way to tie up the last few pages.

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 hunnies! I just know I'm going to end up turning my initial 4 star to 5 in upcoming days, because I won't have stopped thinking about these characters.

A huge congrats to Lexi for a GLOWING first debut. Super excited to see more from you 🥹

[🌙henny✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m leaving this review a few days late because my slump has been slumping this month and it’s taken me longer to physically read lately, so I’m sorry to the author for not publishing my ARC review in the agreed timeframe 😭

BUT, this book broke my slump. It was everything I didn’t know I wanted in a contemporary romance!! We follow Rowan, a 20-something Londoner whose life has kind of been flushed down the toilet, and who books herself on a huge hike in the Scottish Highlands despite never having hiked a day in her life. As you can imagine, she struggles. But then she meets a grumpy mountain man with a thick Scottish accent, a sweet 10 year old girl and her lovely mum, a blunt university student who sprains his ankle and is kind of a twat to everyone about it, and the group bond over the shared experience.

This book is so sweet, so silly and funny. It’s so incredibly refreshing to read about an fmc I can pretty much fully relate to, in terms of her humour and her life and the culture of the UK. She talks like me, she behaves like me, her experience of the world is like mine. It’s like I’m reading about myself in another life almost. It really helped with the immersion, let me tell you. I love reading characters from different cultures, that’s kind of my favourite thing about reading, actually. But so many fmcs are written by Americans, and it’s just nice to finally have one that isn’t. And the way Rowan is so determined and strong, despite feeling like such a failure, it made me feel better about myself too. Like maybe I can do it when I think I can’t.

And Angus… what a man. I too would be salivating on sight. Let me just enlighten you to this quote:

‘Rowan blushes. “I like it when you tell me what to do.” I smirk. “That’s because you’re a good lass. Now lie down and spread your legs.”’

EXCUSE ME??? Sir… I am unwell.

‘Shut up and let me fucking kiss you.’

AHHHHHHHHHHH

Anyway I fucking loved this book. It wasn’t JUST a fun, silly and spicy time. It was all of those things, but it was full of hidden depth too. The way Ewan’s and Angus’ grief was portrayed, and Rowan’s insecurity and self-doubt. Even Priya and Lila had stuff going on that was handled really fantastically. The community they built, that found family vibes?? Immaculate.

Once again Instagram has sent me an ad for an ARC perfectly suited for my taste in books. How does it always know??? I have no idea. But I haven’t found a miss yet 🥹

[Fordie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness! I absolutely devoured this and loved absolutely everything about it! The setting, the pacing, the style of writing, the inner monologue, the grumpy/sunshine but with real character tos and fros, the banter! The mental health and grief rep but done so naturally and unforced it felt authentic, and the side characters that were also brilliantly written and just the perfect addition. Aunt Joan definitely being one of them. Found family at its finest!

A debut author but you wouldn't know it from the depth of the writing. It had everything for me, and I am definitely in love with Rowan and Angus 😍 I didn't want to put it down. She's already a go to author for me so I'm eagerly awaiting more.

[BookSloth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day, BookSloth, quite unexpectedly, turned into Eeyore.

Not catastrophically, just in that low-level, everything-feels-a-bit-grey way. Outside, it was raining. Again. With hailstones for emphasis.

So when she saw a romance novel set on the West Highland Way, she thought… Yes, let’s fully commit to the mood. Because if there’s one thing guaranteed about a walk in Scotland, it’s that it will be wet, soggy, and slightly miserable. 😊

Which, as it turns out, is exactly where Walk This Way begins.

Rowan, a city girl, drunkenly books a long-distance hike through the Scottish Highlands after catching her boyfriend cheating, which feels like a perfectly reasonable response under the circumstances.

She starts the trail with a heavy pack, aching feet, and a rapidly dawning sense that perhaps this was not, in fact, a well-thought-out plan. Alongside her pack, she’s carrying heartbreak and insecurity. The low, persistent sense that she’s not quite enough, not quite capable, not quite the kind of person who does brave, difficult things.

Oh, my lovely Rowan, you are!

Then she runs into a yeti Angus. Delightfully grumpy and Scottish, he’s walking for grief, marking the anniversary of his dad’s death. He’s not there to be charming. He’s there to do his own quiet, difficult thing.

Alone.

Unfortunately for him, Rowan exists—in bright, dopamine-fuelled outfits that clash cheerfully with the Highlands and are almost certainly scaring off the wildlife. And the trail, determined to cause problems, just keeps throwing them together.

There’s an immediate spark between Rowan and Angus, which feels believable given the intensity of their situation. Spending all day, every day walking together, grumpy x sunshine, has a way of accelerating connection. Even so, the romance itself isn’t overly developed on the page. It’s there, it’s felt, but it sits lightly within the story rather than driving it.

What the book captures beautifully is the rhythm of walking. The repetitive, oddly meditative experience of putting one foot in front of the other while your brain cycles through every questionable decision you’ve ever made is so well conveyed. BookSloth hiked two-hundred miles in thirteen days. Felt like a good idea at the time, and can confirm this is entirely accurate. You keep asking yourself why you’re doing this. And yet… there’s something about the physical pain that you don’t actually hate.

On any long-distance walk, it’s the people you meet along the way that stay with you. Often when you’d really rather they didn’t! The side characters in this story add depth, expanding the themes beyond Rowan and Angus. Twenty-something Ewan and Lila and her daughter, Priya, show different versions of endurance, of coping, of simply continuing. It gives the story a quiet sense that no one is really walking alone, even when it feels that way sometimes.

Which is, in theory, very comforting. In practice, it also means you will end up sharing snacks with strangers and learning far more about their lives than you expected before 6 a.m.

And maybe sharing a tent. With a yeti.

In many ways, this feels less like a traditional romance and more like a genre-blending, found-family exploration of walking as a form of healing. The relationships—romantic and otherwise—grow out of the shared experience, and if anything, BookSloth would have happily stayed on the trail a little longer. There’s something about that contained world, where everything is reduced to the next step, that feels like the heart of the story.

But both Rowan and Angus have somewhere they need to be...

When she’d finished, BookSloth switched off the lamp, pulled the duvet closer, and lay there in the dark.

Thinking—

Maybe life isn’t about proving you can do it alone.

Maybe it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other.

And letting someone walk beside you when you’re ready.

Five BookSloths, lacing up their walking boots, entirely committed to letting the minibus carry their packs!!🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw Walk this Way on my Instagram feed, I knew I wanted to give it a go! While I am a fantasy girl, dabbling in romance is always a fun alternative for me, and Lexi Vale did not disappoint with this story 😌✨

Our main character Rowan is down bad on life. Fresh out of a terrible break up, in a job she has no passion for, and entirely unsure of who she is, Rowan has drunkenly talked herself into a five day hike in the highlands of Scotland. Because nothing says ‘I’m SO fine’ like running off to the remote corners of Britain!

Rowan is a wonderful main character to read. She’s not perfect, and we see her actions result in hurt from time to time, both towards herself and those around her. In particular, her relationship with her sister really hits home for me. Perhaps because I have a sister of my own, but I really think Lexi Vale has nailed this dynamic - the girls have their differences, and they bicker, and they can be selfish at times. But ultimately they are there for one another.

Equally, the found-family trope in this story is another great element! While I think Priya and Lila are expected foundries-family characters (and I LOVE them for this!), Ewan is an unexpected character that we grow to love. His youth is very apparent compared to the rest of the cast (except for Priya of course, who is a child) and it made me reevaluate every romance I’ve ever read. While Ewan may appear annoying at times, what we really mean here is he’s young. And he’s hurting. As we learn more about this character’s story (as with the others, although I think this is the best example) we really lean into the mental health theme of the book. Reading about men’s mental health in a romance book was not what I had anticipated when I requested a copy of this book, but I’m so glad it was there.

On the mental health theme, I actually do believe that this story is a mental health story disguised as a romance, more than a romance with mental health themes. And for this, it felt like a breath of fresh air (no pun intended of course, but incredibly apt for the story hehe). Lexi Vale provides us with a host of characters who all have their own fears, and who are all coping in different ways. It gives readers the perfect opportunity to relate to any one of them, and is a great reminder that mental health is not black and white.

As for the romance - I enjoyed this part of the story greatly. Until the third act break-up. Angus and Rowan have excellent chemistry, and the tension that goes between them is so good. Their immediate infatuation is hard to ignore, and when the time comes for things to fall apart, it reflects both their mental wellbeing’s at the time, and the rushing in headfirst dynamic that we fall for in most romance stories, without ever considering that this may appear perfect between the two of them, but not addressing how it works in the real world. The way in which Rowan and Angus fall apart does feel a little flimsy, but again this could be down to the fact that they were never really together to begin with. However I do think Vale saves this by making the characters grow and separate before reuniting at the end! I would’ve preferred a little more time spent with the separately, rather than the ‘one year later’ summary we get for the both of them; but I understand that this is a romance novel, and that them returning to one another is perhaps more important than this.

Overall, Walk This Way is such a fun read. The literal and metaphorical journey these characters go on makes you yearn for a hike-of-a-lifetime of your own! I’d recommend this to anyone who’s interested in love that extends from friendships, family, and deeper-than-anticipated flings; and new found appreciations for the outdoors, yourself or grey hiking trousers 🥾🫶

Thank you so much Lexi for sending an e-copy to me, I’ve loved going on this journey!!!

[RollTide.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted ARC Review - THANK YOU SO MUCH LEXI! The bonus epilogue made me SOB!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️a beautifully rain soaked grumpy x sunshine romance that feels like the perfect pre read for my trip to Scotland later this year (I feel so lucky)

I’m heading to Scotland later this year, and Walk This Way made me even more excited for it. When I had shared this in my ARC application, I put that out into the universe and I received a beautiful story set in Scotland.

Lexi Vale captures the Highlands with such charm that I could practically FEEL the mist on my face and hear the crunch of gravel under my boots in the gorgeous lochs of Scotland. This book isn’t just a romance... the book opens with a walk. A LEGIT WALK THROUGH SCOTLAND. I mean, yes, please?!

This whole book was a whole experience where you have to make sure you lace up your shoes and step straight onto a trail with your own grumpy Scotsman. I'll take 5 of Angus, please!

The forced proximity, the broken tents, the sprained ankles, the rain that never seems to stop all worked together to peel back the journey that is Rowan and Angus as a couple. Watching them slowly shift from irritation to reluctant partnership to something tender and quietly hopeful was incredibly satisfying. I LOVED the unexpected depth this book set forth because I thought this would be a lighthearted read and the depth I experienced in the issues Lexi portrayed added so much to the plot.

“Two broken hearts. One long walk.”
Simple, but it captures the entire emotional journey that this novel portrays. Lexi put her whole heart into this story and you can feel it. I love getting her newsletters. I love a romance where two people learn that sometimes the hardest paths lead you exactly where you need to be.

Walk This Way is warm, uplifting, and quietly romantic. It was the perfect read for anyone dreaming of Scotland and wanting to be wrapped in a story that feels like a soft wool blanket after a rainy hike.

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of this lovely book!

I literally cannot fault this book. The perfect cozy, funny romance with depth, handling themes of grief, recovery from betrayal, mental health struggles and trauma beautifully, through a cast of characters we meet along the way. The side characters in this story were a real highlight for me, each on their own journey that came together to give that found family feel.

I found the FMC, Rowan, inspiring and adore the mental health representation she provided. I am sure many will relate to her past struggles as well as her present battles with self worth and journey to find her purpose.

The character growth in both the FMC and MMC was so well done and their relationship development was perfect. I loved their contrasting personalities creating a hilarious grumpy x sunshine dynamic with banter and stunning tension leading to some positively spicy scenes!!

The idyllic setting of this book made me feel so much pride for my wee country, with a ceilidh scene that was so perfectly described it had me smiling ear to ear!

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute romance with heavier themes sprinkled in.

Rowan decides to take a walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands after she finds her boyfriend cheating. That’s one of my favorite settings so I enjoyed that.

The group she meets while walking had a lot of characters I liked, and included her love interest Angus.

Honestly there were a lot of elements I liked but something lagged for me in the second half. I wanted a bit more honestly, from her emotions with her sister and both her and Angus’ mental health journeys, and then bam we get a third act breakup.

Hot take, I am actually a third act breakup lover when they make sense. And this one did make sense - they both had issues to deal with.

But when they hit me with ~one year later~ I kind of got the ick and it was hard to shake. Yes they both had healing to do but Angus didn’t reach out at all and he was the one who was cruel to her and pushed her away?? She is the one who goes to Scotland and thinks she may see him and yes he does go to her, but she folds so fast!

Because it’s been one year I felt like their reconciliation was lightning fast!! That made me feel a little unsatisfied but at least we got a small glimpse into the near future.

Overall, it was a cute read and I like the characters and setting.

Safety:
Triggers: mental health, depression and anxiety, mention of parental death in past
Romance wise: slight om drama when her cheating ex appears but it’s resolved quickly, both experienced, I didn’t really like that Rowan’s ex was mentioned and she’s a city girl and he often compares them, but he seems to feel for Rowan differently than anyone before

[Taylorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! this was a fun and quick read. it did get a little heavy sometimes but overall the story was written well. it tells the story of Rowan, fresh off a bad breakup with a cheating ex on a multi day hike where she meets Angus and it spirals from there. both characters have alot of emotional baggage and seeing them eventually connect over it really helped show their growth. i really loved the side characters here to!thank you for the arc!!

[Emma]

ARC review: this was such a cute read! It definitely was what I needed during this time of year, to escape to the spring time in the Scottish highlands. I loved seeing the development between FMC and MMC, as well as the other side characters. I also really appreciated the representation and conversations around mental health and grief which was refreshing. All in all this is a feel good read that explores deeper themes but will leave feeling warm and fuzzy at the same time ❤️

[Kathleen Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lord, this book is amazing.

This book busted me out of a book hangover but created another one! I want more. And maybe I need to go to Scotland?

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ — Review to be updated

[May ✿ · Rating 2 out of 5]

༄.° “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.“

ARC review!

Release date: 18th of March 2026

── .✦ Tropes:
- only one tent
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Mental health rep
- Found family


2.5⭐️
Thank you so much Lexi for the ARC!
This was such a refreshing read! The Scottish setting was described really beautifully and I loved the found family, all the bickering between all the characters was really entertaining.

Until the 50% mark I was having a good time! But then it went down hill for me😭
I personally struggled to connect with the main character, I felt like at the beginning she was so strong and wanting to be independent and push herself through the walk even though it was hard for her, but then after the walk ended she just went back to thinking she’s a failure and a fuck up and making herself small. I didn’t really like that. I also wish we dived into her mental health story a bit more, I feel like we got hints but not really the full story.
All of this made it harder for me to feel invested in the romance.
And the end felt a bit sudden? Idk thats just how I felt.


If you enjoy a hiking/ outdoors romance with found family and mental health rep I’d recommend!!🌳✨


QUOTES:

Fuck, but she’s beautiful. Her eyes brighter than ever, motes of gold dancing in the blue like light glinting off rippling waves. She’s wildflowers shooting life into spring, the hazy motes of a summer dawn.

“But sometimes it’s worth pushing through hard things–otherwise you don’t get the view.”

I’ve spent so long hiding in things that are safe and easy that I’ve forgotten what it feels like to stand on my own. To push myself. To choose bravery. To believe that I deserve better.

[Mckinley Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually so good I took a chance on it bc it had maybe 50 reviews on kindle? Anyways cute story and good characters, worth!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book thinking it would be funny and romantic, maybe a little hectic and filled with adventures in the Scottish Highlands- and I was right, this book had all that- but I didn't anticipate the overwhelmingly emotional stories perfectly woven into the plot. Not only is Rowan's journey of self discovery, finding happiness and taking risks the focus, but Angus' grief and learning to open up was equally balanced. On top of that, we have amazing side characters who are also dealing with their own things, and you know what, I cared for nearly every character in this book.

The hiking was so well written, I truly felt as if I were there (one day I will go explore my Scottish roots), and not to mention the struggles of it and the happiness I felt when they were overcome was just...it was the best. It was so inspirational and honestly a perfect read to make you want to pick up a bag and just head off somewhere beautiful!

Admittedly, the pacing around 65% began to drag, but the story still had that emotional depth, and I'd say everything was well talked out, even after all the drama. The third act breakup felt right too, as Rowan and Angus had time to work on themselves. Still, I was so happy with the ending, it was so cute and fitted perfectly!

This story really connected with me, especially as I feel a lot similar to Rowan with her foggy days and living it safe, but after reading this I really just feel seen and a little motivated. Truly, this was a great read and perfect for those sunny days spent in the garden!

5/5 🌟

[Alexandra Vlaming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk This Way is such a fun read, I am so happy to have had the opportunity to read it! A delightful slow burn romance, family politics, and lots of personal growth? Sign me up, IMMEDIATELY.

Walk This Way follows Rowan as she dives off of the deep end, signing herself up for a 5 day walk through the Scottish highlands, hoping to find herself, and escape the mess she’s in at home. While on her walk we meet a wonderful cast of characters, and Angus, a fellow walker trying to escape in nature.

This is a wonderful story, the characters are all wonderful, and each of them all have complex, unique backstories, everyone in Walk This Way is so round and well written. Because we get to know all of the characters so well, I found myself frequently laughing, and even crying as I followed along with their journeys.

The romance is delightful, I love a slow burn, and this was a great one, and once it heats up, the spice is superb. Rowan and Angus both have such complex stories, seeing them commingle is a delight, and I also love how Lexi Vale manages to somehow fit complex family dynamics into the mix, this was an unexpected but rewarding subplot, seeing Rowan and her sister, and Angus and his brothers interact.

This was such a fun read, and has me wanting to go back to Scotland, this time with a full pack. Huge thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kinga · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 ⭐️
I'm on the fence about this book... i really liked the setting, Scotland, the hike and the nature, the first part was fun and i thought the relationships Rowan had with her new friends were cute, but as soon as the hike ended (which was about 50% in), it just all went downhill for me. Rowan and Angus had no chemistry at all, just empty thoughts about how attracted they were to each other. i was also really interested about her and Sophie's mum, because she clearly has some issues of her own, but we did not get anything more than it was needed. Sophie and Rowan's relationship? enjoyed it. what happened to Sophie after the wedding though? no idea. and the thing that pissed me off the most - (slight spoiler here) after the "third act conflict" (if you could even call it that), we got a full year time skip, throughout which Rowan and Angus both had a lot development going on. well, at least so it was said, because i didn't see it at all. he went to therapy and worked it all out, she created something of her own and healed her depression (?), but i don't believe it. same with the fact that they still loved each other. i thought that maybe after that there will be some scenes actually showing their relationship - nope, we got a 6 months time skip and (spoiler!) an engagement. i still liked the setting and it was quite fun, but those things bugged me too much. to end it all off, here's a quote that made me laugh which i found at page 45:

"Angus, I will have to admit, even though it goes against everything inside me, does not have a good arse. He has a great one. The kind of arse one might describe as statuesque: perky and pert and hard as marble. The kind of arse that should be displayed on a plinth in the British museum, with an inscription such as: Scottish hiker’s buttocks, perfectly preserved. Note the gentle curve of the derriere and the set of dimples at its apex. Truly a specimen for the ages."

[Amanda Always Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely charmed me! I have a thing for stories that start with a detour (usually figuratively, but in this case, literally!). The kind where life pushes someone off the path they thought they were on and onto the one they were actually meant to find. Walk This Way by Lexi Vale captures that feeling so, so well!

This story blends romance, humor, and emotional depth/grappling with big emotions in a way that felt really genuine. At its heart, it’s about what happens when life forces you to slow down and take a look at everything you thought you had figured out, your plans, your relationships, and even yourself.

Angus and Rowan are amazing! They’re messy, flawed, and deeply human; I loved watching them figure things out as the story unfolded, on their own and together. Vale gives both of them room to grow, stumble a little, and ultimately find their footing again. Their banter also kept me smiling throughout the book! Not to mention the crew of found family side characters in this book - they are one of a kind and I love them all!

What I loved most about this story is how it celebrates the unexpected paths life takes us on. Sometimes the life you carefully plan out isn’t the one that leads you to the happiest ending. Sometimes you have to walk a different way, and sometimes, that’s exactly where the "good" is waiting!

If you love heartfelt romance with some kick, emotional character journeys, a splash of camping, and stories that make you feel something while you read, I definitely recommend this one! It's perfect for spring into summer, and will leave you with a smile!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walk This Way is a charming "dislike-to-lovers" romance set against the stunning Scottish Highlands. The story follows Rowan, who signs up for a trek to reclaim her life after a bad breakup, and Angus, a rugged farmer hiking to honor his late father.

What I Loved

The book features some of my favorite tropes, including "only one tent" and a 100% competent hero (complete with a great kilt moment!). I especially appreciated how the story handled mental health. Rowan’s journey through anxiety and Angus’s struggle with grief felt very real and moving. Along with a lovable "found family" of fellow hikers, the group provides plenty of humor and heart.

The imagery of the Highlands is so vivid that it made me want to walk the West Highland Way myself!

My Reservations

While I enjoyed the story very much, it wasn't a perfect fit for my personal taste. I was less keen on the constant swearing and the graphic sex prose, which felt a bit excessive.

Bottom Line: If you don't mind heavy profanity and explicit scenes, this is an inspiring, atmospheric read about finding yourself—and love—in the wild

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just saw the adorable, beautiful cover and the hiking premise in Scotland, went "say no more" and dove right in without realizing that the characters hike the West Highland Way! What an absolute treat to read about it and reminisce about my own experience.

I loved almost everything about this book but I do have two small gripes: the spice was more erotica than romance and frankly a bit much for me, and there were a lot of minor errors that pulled me out of the story, like capitalizing common nouns and putting apostrophes where they have no business being and occasional tense slip ups. Minor stuff, but just enough of it to disrupt my reading good times. A good proofread would have done the trick!

Those points aside, I loved the depth and care and attention each character was afforded, even the minor ones, and of course the descriptions of the setting! The pacing was perfect and there were lots of laugh out loud moments. This read definitely made me excited for spring so I can finally hit a trail again!

[T Rojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this recommended a couple places so I gave it a go. Meh.
Maybe since I’m an American I have no fucking clue what a walking holiday is I didn’t understand the lay out of the hike. They’re in the woods but could just pop into places whenever they wanted? I wanted book to focus more on angus and rowen more than all the side characters. I needed more details into Rowen and her depression, it just seemed it came out of nowhere for her and she did nothing about it besides wear bright clothing? Angus was boring. Wah my dad died years ago and I’m not over it. Then there was a whole ass year time jump where they worked on themselves but never actually got into what they did. In the end they decide to go travelling together? Bitch has no job? Like how are they paying for this? Where do they live book just felt unfinished.

[LonelyBookClub (Katie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to keep reminding myself that not only is this an ARC read, but it’s also a debut author ARC read.

Holy shit I loved this book. Devoured in under 10 hours. Rowan and Angus are perfect and I would like them to adopt me please.
It’s very rare I read a book and like all the main characters. In fact I liked everyone apart from Ethan and Henry.

This is such a beautiful story and there were multiple points I had tears in my eyes.

The only super minor criticism I have is the editing needs a bit of work - there were some spelling/grammar errors here and there but to be honest the story was so bloody good I didn’t care.

A solid 5 stars from me. I don’t like to compare authors to each other as I don’t want to take away their uniqueness but if you are a fan of Beth O’Leary, B.K Borison etc please please please pick this up.

I would love nothing more than for this author to become the next big romance writer.

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 ⭐️
thank you to Lexi Vale for gifting me this lovely ARC 🫶🏻
i think this book was so fun and cute and such a sweet story. there was more to the story than just the romance. it had such good character building, accurate depictions of depression and self-doubt and grief. my only complaint is, i just wish we would’ve gotten more time with Rowan and Angus actually together 🥲 but i still think the way the story ended was perfect for them.
if you’re a fan of dislike to lovers, only one tent, slow burn and/or opposites attract, then i think this book will be for you!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much I finished it in one sitting☺️✨
I adored every character and just really enjoyed the setting and vibes 🥾🌿 The story was so wholesome, it left me in such a good mood and it makes me want to get out on more walks again this year, maybe even with a cheeky pint at the end🍻 I feel like I can relate to Rowan with the mental health aspects and it really ties in with my other current read, Likeable by Fearne Cotton. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I really felt this read on a personal level so I’m actually putting it as my number 1 read in 2026 so far. It’s one I’ll definitely be purchasing for my physical bookshelf!